Lagos, a city located in the Algarve, achieved during the 15th century an international importance that led some to call it the "center of the world". Its location on the Atlantic Ocean allowed it to assume a prominent role in the first Portuguese maritime voyages, becoming one of the main departure points of the Discoveries. The port received vessels and merchants from different regions, functioning as a link between Europe, the Atlantic and the territories that were beginning to be explored by Portuguese navigators.
Prince Henry, born in Porto in 1394, played a fundamental role in the valorization of Lagos. Although known as "the Navigator", he did not personally undertake the voyages, but rather organized and financed the expeditions. It was from this city that he armed several caravels that reached the African coast, including those that departed with Gil Eanes, a navigator linked to the rounding of Cape Bojador.
The maritime activity brought wealth and commercial activity, but also a dark side. During the 15th century, enslaved African people were transported to Lagos and sold in the city. The space currently known as the Slave Market, located under the arches of Prince Henry Square, is identified by Turismo de Portugal as the site where Europe's first slave market was held. The current building was constructed in 1691 over a space previously used for this purpose. The Lagos Museum presents, through the Slave Route route, a perspective on the city's connection to the trafficking and exploitation of enslaved people.
Lagos also preserves architectural testimonies from these periods, such as the walls, the Castle of the Governors and the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, which protected the city from maritime attacks. The Church of Santo António, classified as a National Monument, was built in the early 18th century and rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. The city was also elevated to capital of the Algarve during the reign of King Sebastian, maintaining this status until the aforementioned earthquake.
